Formation and resuscitation of the viable but non-culturable state in microorganisms

Abstract:

It is estimated that the majority (>99%) of microorganisms resist cultivation because they are in a viable but non-culturable (VBNC) state. Resuscitation-promoting factors (Rpfs) are one of the most important breakthroughs in the cultivation of VBNC bacteria. In the past decade, our group focused on resuscitation of VBNC bacteria by Rpf for exploring their potential environmental functions. Incorporated our previous studies in this mini-reiew, we provided the overview of formation and resuscitation of VBNC bacteria, and explored the relationship between "scout cells" and quorum-sensing based on the process of formation and reversion of VBNC cells. Moreover, we also summarized the VBNC bacteria possessed potential enivronmental functions which were previously isolated from various environments with Rpf addition. This review provides not only a new insight into revealing the the mechanisms of formation and resuscitation of VBNC bacteria, but also a theoretical basis for understanding and re-evaluating the role of Rpf method in the application for environmental bioremediation.

Key words:viable but non-culturable;resuscitation-promoting factors;quorum-sensing;";scout cells";;environmental functions